The Treasure
Hidden in the Field
Jesus told them another parable: . . . (Matt. 13:44).
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
The Lesson
Jesus is talking to his disciples. The field is the world and the hidden treasure is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation. The man in the parable sold all he had to buy the natural treasure, and the disciples had surrendered all they had to the Lordship of Christ. In this parable, the individual was not actively looking for Christ, but when he found the Lord, the man had to secure the treasure he had found. Having this treasure became his fixed purpose to make it his own.
BIBLE TIMES FACTS
Palestine has been the most fought over land in the World. In Bible times safe places to hide money and valuables were hard to find. The people often buried their treasure in fields hoping that no one would find them. When enemies invaded, the Israelites buried their possessions before they would flee. They hoped that someday they would be able to come back and get their possessions.
During the time of Jesus, the law of the land was that hidden treasure belonged to the finder only if he owned the land. In this parable the treasure was hidden by someone other than the current owner of the field. The person who found the treasure was willing to give up everything to own the treasure.
THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
The man discovered the treasure in the field suddenly, and was gladly willing to give up everything for it. When you discover God's will for your life will you be ready to give up everything for it?
CHRIST (AND HIS SALVATION) IS SUPERIOR TO EVERYTHING ELSE.
Let us hide the Gospel (Word of God) in our hearts in order that it might not be taken away from us. But, let us share this treasure with others. When we give it away to others it helps us keep it!
MEMORY VERSE
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his sould?"
Mark 8:36
CLASS ACTIVITY
EXTRA! EXTRA! Treasure found!
Using the headline above, have the students write a brief newspaper story about today's parable. When they are finished, have them take turns reading their news flashes. You can also post the stories on a bulletin board.
NEXT to the Parable of the Pearl
BACK to the Parable of the Yeast
Index of Parables told by Jesus
Picture of Treasure Chest found at Julie Drake's Treasures for Children's Craft Pages
